Is the Doctor Who New Year’s special, ‘Resolution’ the de facto Series 11 finale?

In an interview in TV & Satellite Week, guest star Charlotte Ritchie, who plays Lin in Resolution, said something very interesting.

“It’s a massive test for the Doctor, but she knows she has the best people by her side to face this challenge. It’s all about bravery, teamwork and people from different backgrounds coming together to fight something that’s threatening their lives. It’s a monumental way to end the series for reasons that I think will be obvious when people see it.”

A “monumental way to end the series”?

That sounds more like a series finale than a holiday special. That might explain why the denouement of The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos didn’t play out as typically epic for a series finale.

And the Dalek rumours?

“You’ll just have to wait and see, I’m afraid. I promised Chris Chibnall that I wouldn’t say anything about what the gang are up against.”

The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), Resolution, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBC

Ritchie described her character, Lin.

All I can say is she is resilient, brave and also has a love interest who’s played by Nikesh Patel.

The CultBox composite synopsis for Resolution:

As the New Year begins, the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz return home to find a terrifying alien evil is stirring. DNA from the most dangerous creature in the universe has been buried on Earth since the 9th century. The creature is relentless. It will kill anyone who tries to get in the way of it taking control of the planet.

Resolution, BBCResolution, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBCA still from the Resolution trailer, BBC

Resolution, BBC

Daniel Adegboyega as Aaron, Resolution, BBC

You can find out more about Resolution with Anglo-Saxon remains here, cast interviews here and a trailer breakdown here.

Written by Chris Chibnall and directed by Wayne Yip, Resolution airs on Tuesday, January 1 at 7:00 p.m. on BBC One, and 8:00 p.m. on BBC America.